3IA PhD/Postdoc Seminar #25

Estimating the functional connectivity in the brain via a multiscale spike-LFP autoregressive model

In neuroscience, functional connectivity can be seen as a graph of interactions between brain oscillations rhythms and individual neuronal activity. This graph is associated with a cognitive state and helps understand high-cognitive processes such as learning. However, up to our knowledge, there is no model nor method to assess at once directed interactions between all these heterogeneous multiscale data. In this article, we propose a new model called HM-MVAR (Heterogeneous Multiscale Multivariate Autoregressive) to represent linear combinations of classic interaction patterns such as phase-locking or power-triggered phenomena. Because of the multiscale structure, we use a block version of stationarity to exhibit conditions under which the corresponding process exists and is stationary. We also propose a data-driven weighted LASSO estimator based on martingale exponential deviation inequalities that may have an interest per se. We prove that our estimator satisfies an oracle inequality and we show its good performance on realistic simulations. Finally, when applying it on a publicly available multiscale data set from the Buzsaki Lab, we recover interactions described in the literature but also uncover new phenomena of potential interest.

Quantum information science

This talk will provide a general overview of the tools and key concepts, such as the notions of Qubit and entanglement, underlying the hot topic of quantum information. A special attention will be paid to quantum key distribution and to current developments of quantum communication channels.

Open discussion on the two contributions